Understanding the Rapture of the Church
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ScribdTranslationsUnderstanding the Rapture of the Church
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsBible Study: The Rapture of the Church
INTRODUCTION:
This topic is characterized by the great controversy among the different schools of
Biblical interpretations and their different theories. These are:
1. The Theory of Partial Translation. They believe that only the believers who are
watching and waiting for this event they will be transferred.
2. The Theory of the Rapture after the Great Tribulation. Those who hold this believe that the
the church will not be removed until the Second Coming of Christ, who will receive the LORD
in the air to later return with him.
3. The Theory of the Rapture during the Great Tribulation. They maintain that the church will be
arrebatada después de los primeros tres años y medio de la Gran Tribulación.
4. The Theory of the Rapture before the Great Tribulation. It holds that the church, the
The Body of Christ, in its entirety, will be removed by resurrection and translation.
de la tierra antes que comience la Gran Tribulación.
Since this is a very broad topic, we will limit ourselves to studying it from
the perspective of our belief in the 'Theory of the Rapture Before the Great
"Tribulation," since this is the doctrinal foundation of the Assemblies of God, regarding the
the abduction of the Church; and due to time constraints, we will limit ourselves to the analysis of this topic,
contestando las preguntas básicas: Qué es, Por qué sucederá, Cómo sucederá,
When will it happen, Where will we be, Who will be taken away, and What should we
to do.
We hope this helps you improve your biblical knowledge and take more in.
serious about his personal relationship with the LORD, who is not slow in keeping his promise, as
some take it for tardiness, but it is patient and merciful, not wanting
that no one may perish but that all may come to repentance. Let us now enter therefore
in the subject, fully dedicating ourselves to this study.
WHAT IS THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH?
To understand this, we must first analyze the meaning of the word 'Rapture' and
other words of Greek origin, from which this term derives; as well as
also the different names this event receives. Let's see:
MEANING OF THE WORD.
Rapture: It derives from the Latin 'Rapio', which refers to the transfer of one part to another.
the Dictionary of the Spanish Language defines it as: Impulse, action of Snatching. The
Theology defines it as: To take something unexpectedly or suddenly.
Rapture: It comes from the Greek word HARPAZO. The word Rapture means
then: To take or remove something with violence. To carry behind oneself or with oneself with force.
irresistible.
Words that refer to the Rapture of the Church.
Parousia: It refers to the Rapture as well as the Second Coming of Christ, and emphasizes the
the bodily presence of Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:1)
Apocalypse: It is a compound word, apo = to uncover or remove the veil and kalupto =
to cover or to veil. This word then means to Reveal. (Colossians 3:4).
Epiphaneia: It means to bring to light, to shine, to manifest. (1 Timothy 6:14, 2 Timothy)
4:8).
Names that the Rapture receives: 1) The taking away of the Church 2) The rapture of the
Church 3) The Transfer of the Church.
After analyzing all this we conclude that:
The Rapture of the Church is: The surprising moment when the Church will be Raptured,
Snatched away or taken to the skies, to meet with Jesus Christ; who will appear in
a glorious and visible manifestation, to reveal and unveil the mysteries, to reward
to his wife (The Church) for her work, and to be with her forever. (1st.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
WHY WILL THERE BE ABDUCTION?
The answer to this question is simple and it is because this is the Divine Plan for the
Church.
To understand this a little better, let's analyze the following events,
focusing on every detail, as these provide us with valuable information for
understand and respond to the previous premise. Let's see:
1. The 70 Weeks of Daniel written in his book, in Chapter 9 and the verses of
20 to 27.
a. All this prophecy refers to the people of Israel and the city of Jerusalem.
b. At no time does the Church appear. Since it has been a mystery during the
Old Testament, becoming visible in the New Testament after the
rejection of Christ by the people of Israel at the Cross of Calvary, and
starting his ministry after the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; and this will end,
With its Rapture, to make way for the Great Tribulation.
2. The Purposes of the Great Tribulation.
a. Prepare the Nation of Israel to receive the Messiah. (Malachi 4:5-6)
b. To test the inhabitants of the Earth. (Revelation 3:10)
c. This means that those who are targeted to receive God's judgments are THE
Inhabitants of the Earth.
d. The phrase THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH does not refer to a distinction
geographical, but to a moral classification. This means then, that the great
tribulation is directed at those who have established the earth as their only home, that
They have identified with the world and all its material and mundane desires.
3. The Nature of the Great Tribulation.
a. It is a time of WRATH and DIVINE JUDGMENT Revelation 6:16-17; 11:18; 14:19, 15:1,7;
16:1; 19:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 5:9; Zephaniah 1:15-18; Revelation 14:7; 15:4;
16:5-7; 19:2.
b. The Bible indicates that the Church has been freed by Christ from this nature. (1st.
1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9-10.
4. The Church is the Body of Christ.
The Believer is no longer separated from Christ, but has been made closely
one with him.
b. If the Church goes through the Great Tribulation, Christ will also be receiving the Wrath and the
Divine Judgment. This is impossible according to 1 John 4:17, Romans 8:1, John
5:24.
Revelation 13:7 explains that those who are in the great tribulation will be subject to the
Beast and Satan.
The Church is not subject to Satan but to Christ, who is the Head of the Church.
Efesios 1:22; 5:23; Colosenses 1:18.
b. The Nature of the Church and the completeness of its Salvation thanks to Christ, to him
they prevent being included in the Great Tribulation.
2 Thessalonians Chapter 2.
a. The first thing that will happen before the Great Tribulation begins is the
the appearance of Apostasy (separation from the true faith) and the emergence of Man
of Sin (Antichrist). Verse 3.
b. For this to happen, the work of the one who hinders such must be removed from the midst.
manifestation. This is the Church, which is the Temple and Dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Verse 7.
HOW WILL THE RAPTURE HAPPEN? 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18
The Biblical account tells us that:
The LORD will descend to the skies (possibly the atmosphere)
2. With a commanding voice, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. This indicates to us
that Jesus Christ will give the Order to be lifted, an order similar to those of
Genesis for the creation of the universe. "LET THERE BE AND IT WAS."
3. At this moment, the RESURRECTION AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE
DEAD IN CHRIST. (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Only those who died faithful in
Christ, the resurrection of the other dead (wicked dead) takes place afterward.
of the Millennium.
4. At the same time that the DEAD IN CHRIST rise, the believers
LIVING ones are TRANSFORMED.
a. His body will be clothed with immortality (1st Corinthians 15:51 and 53).
b. They will be separated from all suffering (2 Corinthians 5:2,4; Philippians 3:21).
c. From all persecution and oppression (Revelation 3:10).
d. From all the domain of sin and death (1st Corinthians 15:51-56).
They will be delivered from the Coming Wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9).
They will be united with Christ in a visible way (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
g. They will be reunited with their loved ones who died in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-
14).
5. The prophecy of Jesus Christ will be fulfilled (Matthew 24:40-41)
6. All these events will take place in the blink of an eye. In other words
a hundredth of a second.
According to testimonies from believers who have received visions of the Rapture.
There will be great lamentation and repentance for the believers who remain,
fallen, and people who have heard the message but do not make their decision to
accept.
Great confusion on the land, due to the disappearance of thousands of people all over the
world.
According to the Speculations.
1. People will blame the Martians, flying saucers, etc. for the
disappearance of people.
2. Accidents will not happen. For example, if the believer is driving, they are working.
etc.
WHEN WILL IT HAPPEN? Matthew 24:42.
Nobody knows the Day or the Hour exactly (Matthew 24:36.)
It will be like the thief in the night. (Luke 12:39-40)
These quotes are the biblical information, it is speculated that there will be a great revival.
before this event, the outpouring of Joel 2:28-29. But most certainly, it is
heed the warning of the Word of God: "Stay alert because at the hour that you do not expect
you know the son of man will appear.
WHERE WILL THE KIDNAPPED GO?
First: They will be taken up into the clouds, and will meet the LORD in the air (in the atmosphere,
between heaven and earth.
Second: They will be taken by the Lord to the House of His Father (John 14:1-4)
it is speculated that it is the New Jerusalem.
Third: There, the Wedding of the Lamb will be celebrated. (Revelation 19:6-9). It is here in
where believers will be Judged and Rewarded for their works. Everything will be put
manifest (everything, everything) Some will gain and others will lose. (2 Corinthians)
5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15). (Meaning of the word Faneroo = To be revealed openly or
publicly).
WHO WILL BE TAKEN AWAY?
All the people who have accepted Christ and remain Believers and Faithful to
LORD until His Appearance through His Church. Here enter, the FAITHFUL BELIEVERS.
["Ephesians 5:27","Philippians 2:15","Colossians 1:22","James 1:27","2 Peter 3:14","Jude"]
24.
To understand this, it must be clear that not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the kingdom of heaven. In other words, not everyone who is in a congregation
they are saved. To achieve a greater understanding of this, we will study that: There are two
classes of Churches. 1. The Spiritual, and 2. The Physical, material or earthly. Let's see:
I. THE EARTHLY CHURCH
A. It is formed by local congregations, made up of victorious believers.
(Revelation 2:11, 17, 26).
B. The pastor of the church knows them and visits them.
C. They are written in the membership book of the Congregation.
D. Also for those who say they are faithful but are liars, they have fallen, they are
spiritually dead, they are lukewarm (Revelation 2:2; 2:5; 3:1; 3:16; Matthew 13:24 in)
forward). These are the PROFESSING CHURCH, the one that claims to be believers, preaches,
you, free, fast, watch, etc. But they are not converted from the heart and Jesus Christ said:
Lucas 10:19 al 20. Además dijo: Mateo 7:21 al 23.
II. THE INVISIBLE OR SPIRITUAL CHURCH.
A. It is made up of true believers united by their living faith in Christ.
["4:19; 16:24; Luke 9:23-25; John 10:4, 27; 12:26; Revelation 14:4"]
B. They are written in the Book of Life
C. The LORD knows them and ministers to them every day.
D. These are the ones who receive the promise of being taken away (Revelation 3:10).
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
In conclusion, we would say: Those who are not taken away will experience one of the
tribulations that have never been nor will be. They will have the most horrible experience of
all their lives, for that reason you must:
1. Give your life to Christ. (John 3:16, 14:6, Acts 4:12)
2. To repent of your sins to obtain mercy (Proverbs 28:13)
3. Regretting Loving the World (1st John 2:15-17; James 4:4)
4. Consecrate your life to the LORD. (2nd Peter 1:4-8; 1st Corinthians 6:9-11; Acts 8:4)
5. Strive to live in Holiness, without which no one will see the LORD (Hebrews 12:14)
Settle accounts with your brother, family, work, etc.
Beloved brother, our PAROUSIA is near, everything is already fulfilled, at any moment
At that moment the Trumpet will sound (the order will be given), and we will fly with the LORD, Good,
if you are ready.
How is your life with the LORD? Are you prepared or are you careless?
I have always believed that God does not act by chance and today I believe that this topic was
in God's plan for your life and for all those present, so that they make the decision
to be or not to be, that is the dilemma, since if you dare to give yourself over.
totally to God, you will be saved; but if you choose to reject Him, the Bible says in St.
John chapter 3, 'WHOEVER BELIEVES IN THE SON HAS LIFE; BUT HE WHO...'
He who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God.
IT'S UP TO YOU. You decide, no one is forcing you, but think about its advantages and
disadvantages and where one wants to spend their eternity.
MARANATHA!